Former CFL LB Alex Singleton returns for NFL’s Denver Broncos three weeks after cancer surgery

Photo: Ben Swanson/Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton returned to an NFL field on Sunday night, just three weeks after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumour.

In late October, the Canadian-American defender was notified following a random drug screening that he had elevated levels of the hormone hCG in his system. After seeing a urologist, he was officially diagnosed with a testicular tumour, which he had removed on Friday, November 7 — one day after playing every defensive snap in Denver’s victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Singleton was removed from the injury report this week and made his return in the Broncos’ Week 13 win over the Washington Commanders, having missed just one game as a result of his diagnosis. He recorded six tackles and broke up two passes, including one late in the fourth quarter that forced a Washington punt. Denver went on to secure the 27-26 victory in overtime.

“I think he played well,” said head coach Sean Payton. “Everyone fought. It was good.”

Alex Singleton saves the Broncos defense with a huge PBU!

DENvsWAS on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/dBS4wN7QwD

— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2025

The native of Thousand Oaks, Calif., qualified for Canadian citizenship following his collegiate career at Montana State University and was a first-round pick of the Calgary Stampeders. He played three seasons in the CFL, recording 123 tackles over his final two years with the team to earn two All-CFL selections and be named the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2017.

The six-foot-two, 240-pound defender is currently in the third and final year of the $18 million contract he signed with the Broncos in March 2023.

Singleton has earned over $14 million USD in the NFL since leaving the CFL, recording 722 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 14 pass knockdowns, five sacks, five fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, and three interceptions over 89 regular-season games with the Philadelphia Eagles and Broncos.

The Denver Broncos (9-2) and Washington Commanders (3-8) will face off on Sunday Night Football from Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., on November 30. Kickoff is slated for 8:20 p.m. EST.

Inspirational 🙏@alexsingleton49 | @broncos pic.twitter.com/rAMDyCX7iM

— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2025